Drink of the Week: Stone Brewing 24 Carrot Golden Ale

Brewing inspiration comes in many forms these days, and today’s Drink of the Week proves that no source is off limits. Carrot cake inspired the Stone Brewing 24 Carrot Golden Ale, a recipe developed by the first female brewer to win the brewery’s annual homebrewing competition. Juli Goldenberg, a member of the Quality Ale Fermentation Fraternity and founder of the San Diego Suds Sorority, developed the beer within the framework of a Belgian Golden Ale, with carrot juice, raisins and cinnamon added to the brewing process. To re-create the flavor of the confection’s classic cream cheese frosting, Goldenberg worked vanilla beans and lactose into the recipe.

The brew does bear a resemblance to carrot cake, but subtly, and in all the right ways. It’s flush with cinnamon spice and a touch of malty sweetness, but it’s nicely balanced. It’s a fun addition to the fall beer lineup, and we hope to see it hit shelves again next year.